Ninety visiting German students ranging in age from 11 to 19 took part in a duck race on the river Wear.  We were asked to provide a language insensitive activity that was suitable for a wide ability group of visitors from Chester-le-Street's twin town of Kamp-Lintfort, Germany.

Everyone had a fantastic time and Ian Forster (Deputy Chief Executive of Chester-le-Street District Council) has taken the time to write an effusive letter of thanks to us for our efforts.  The participants decorated wooden ducks then mounted them on floats for the race itself. 

Mike Keenyside of the District Council was on hand in his canoe to collect straggling ducks and to supplement our stringent safety regime.

You could say "everything went swimmingly"

The launch (seen above) took place at the Riverside Sports Complex which is managed by Julie Lewcock of Chester-le-Street Council.